Bullpen cop humbled by attention Big Papi's slam has received

'Horganing' becomes Internet sensation

The Boston Police officer who raised his hands above his head in celebration when David Ortiz's grand slam home run cleared the bullpen fence Sunday night said he is humbled by the attention the picture has received.

Horgan said when he saw the ball heading toward the bullpen, he believed Detroit outfielder Torii Hunter was going to get it.

Horgan raised his hands in victory as the ball landed in the glove of a Red Sox bullpen catcher at the very moment Hunter lunged over the fence and landed awkwardly on the ground.

"I thought Torii Hunter was going to catch it. Because I am a Sox fan, I raised my arms. I was focused on the ball," said Horgan.

Horgan, who has been a Boston Police officer for 27 years, said this was his first year working the bullpen police detail at Fenway, though he has had many other assignments at the ballpark for the last 20 years.

"I do it every time," Horgan said, referring to raising his arms when a home run is hit. "It is just the first time it has been caught on film. It (the picture) was on my phone before the end of the game. I couldn't believe it."

"Horganing" has become something of an Internet phenomenon with arm-raised photos getting wide distribution.

Hunter said, perhaps in jest, that Horgan should have helped him after the fall.

"He's supposed to protect and serve. This son of a gun’s got his hands up! Help me, then cheer, fool!" Hunter told mlb.com.

Horgan said he moved to help Hunter, but "as soon as he fell, I started to walk over to him, but the Red Sox staff was there helping him."

When asked if he would be back in the Fenway Park bullpen for Game 6 and 7 of the ALCS – if they are necessary – Horgan was quickly interrupted by Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis.

"He certainly will," said Davis.

Horgan, who seemed overwhelmed by the media attention, said it has been a great assignment, even on the days without Sunday's drama.

"It's humbling. It’s great, it's great to be around the players. The players all treat me great," said Horgan.